Inside the Cage: Navigating the Mental Struggles of Martial Arts

Fighting on a professional or amateur level is something that many athletes nowadays dream of doing, but why? To the naked eye, all the tiresome training, disciplined dieting, and gut-wrenching weight cuts — all for a potential life-threatening injury — seem... well, like a stupid idea. For some reason, though, the growth of people participating in competitive martial arts has skyrocketed recently.

So what's drawn a new wave of eyes to the sport? Well, as someone who's a new MMA fan and has competed once before, whether it's you or someone else, there's nothing more beautiful than witnessing human excellence in Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, forged from hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and humility. The highs are so high, but the lows aren't pretty.

The "Never Enough" Trap

Knowing you still have a lot to learn in martial arts is a good indicator you're a practitioner who's humble and always looking to improve. Although having a modest attitude is commendable, sometimes it has to be put in check. "The Diamond" Dustin Poirier explains this very clearly: "I don't compare myself to other fighters. We're all unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and journeys. Comparisons only distract from my own path and growth."

I remember struggling with a move while I was in a BJJ class, but my coach said something to me that stuck: "Everyone's Jiu-Jitsu journey is different. Sometimes you'll forget how far you've come because you're too busy looking at everyone else." When he said this to me, it made me think of my first lesson and what I was learning now. The progress I'd made was immense.

It's a lot easier to see other people's progress, but we usually forget how many leaps and bounds we've overcome in combat sports. The saying "Slow progress is better than no progress" is very true.

Let Go of Comparisons

There's always someone we train with who's just on point. Their striking is sublime, using great head movement, tagging you with combos from all angles. As you train more and more with this person, you begin to compare yourself to them, mirroring your progression with theirs. The truth is they're probably comparing themselves to someone else as well.

Rener Gracie, grandson of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and originator of modern-day BJJ Helio Gracie, said "I never compared myself to Ryron because my brother and I are as different as night and day. I realized early on that comparing myself to him would only lead to disappointment and confusion."

Martial arts isn't like other sports. You aren't on a team; you're alone. Once that fight begins, all the coaches, sparring partners, and other supporters wish you luck, then exit the ring — they aren't in there with you. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Comparing yourself is a lazy way of looking at martial arts and life.

Injuries and Setbacks

Sooner or later, I know that dreadful time will come when I'll be out of training due to some nasty injury. When you can't train due to a physical setback, how does one stay positive? It's hard, and although I've not been through it, many prolific fighters talk about how injuries aren't only physical torture, but mental too.

"I've learned that setbacks aren't failures; they're opportunities for comebacks." Jon Jones said that, and if you know even a little bit about his backstory, you'll realize that comebacks are always possible.

"Time heals all wounds," they say, but that's a lot easier to forget in a moment of suffering. No matter how bad an injury is, you'll heal, but what makes the process more difficult is the victim mindset. Life has a funny way of teaching you lessons, and every experience is a chance to better yourself.

Martial arts isn't for everyone; it takes a special type of person to start and stick with it. But the rewards are definitely worth every bit of sacrifice and struggle. So, train hard, and as Michael Chandler says, "I'll see you at the top!"